Late Shang Dynasty ca. 1300 - 1200 BC. This vessel consists of two parts, a rounded skirt, and an upper section that flares out at the top. The ear is half round. One relief band of two taotie patterns on a scrolling ground is placed on the tulip part, a broader one on the skirt part. Out-and inside are covered with oxidation layers. It was prominent form during the Shang and early Western Zhou dynasties and disappeared in the Eastern Zhou. This jia is a ritual vessel in bronze form. It was used to hold libations of wine for the veneration of ancestors. The vessel was made as a tripod and included two pillar-like protrusions on the rim that were possibly used to suspend the vessel overheat. This piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Size: L:270mm / W:160mm ; 1.4kg. Provenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.